Faith Under Fire: The Church Serving Through War in Ukraine

Four years of war. Millions displaced. Cities under fire. And yet, the church in Ukraine is still gathering, still serving, and still proclaiming Christ.

By God’s grace, Come Over & Help has now distributed $1.8 million USD in Ukraine relief funds.

Because of our long-standing partnerships with trusted local churches in Ukraine, we were able to begin distributing aid immediately when the war started, and that work continues today.

Every dollar given to the Ukraine Relief Fund goes directly to relief work, not to administration or any other purpose. At present, Come Over & Help is distributing approximately $40,000 USD per month to Ukrainian partners serving on the ground in mercy ministry, church support, and gospel outreach.

Below is a recent update from our partner Mark Agarkov, serving with the Presbyterian Church in Kharkiv.

Mark & Christina

Update from Mark Agarkov

Dear friends and partners in the gospel,

As we approach February 24, 2026, we mark 4 years since the full-scale war began in Ukraine. It is a painful milestone, but also a moment to remember how the Lord has sustained His people, provided through His church, and continued to build His kingdom even in suffering.

1) Thanksgiving

First of all, we want to give thanks to the Lord. 4 years into this war, we can honestly say: we did not expect to be still alive. There were many moments when death felt close, more than 10 times, and we were in immediate danger. At least 3 times missiles or drones exploded within 1,500 feet of us, and more than 25 times explosions were within 1,500–3,000 feet. And yet the Lord preserved us. He has sheltered our family, sustained our church, and kept us standing when we had no strength of our own.

We do not take any of this for granted. Our lives and ministry are here today only because of God’s mercy and faithful protection. We thank God that, by His mercy, we are still here, still serving, and still able to gather as a church.

As Jeremiah wrote:

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” (Lamentations 3:21–22)

Second, thank you. Your prayers, generosity, and steady friendship have been a real means of God’s care for us in Kharkiv. We thank the Lord for you. Your love has not been distant or abstract, but practical, sacrificial, and consistent.

2) What is the situation like now

Life in Kharkiv remains fragile. The danger is real, and the pressure is constant, especially as the war continues to target critical infrastructure. Power outages, damaged systems, and uncertainty about basic stability shape everyday decisions. Many people are exhausted emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and loved ones lost. Yet even in this, we continue to see courage, perseverance, and a deep hunger for hope that cannot be shaken.

3) Testimony of God’s leading and care

When we look back over these 4 years, we can say with conviction: the Lord is not absent in this war. He has been at work even through what is evil and painful to bring glory to His name and to do real good for His church.

Mercy ministry

Thanks to your support, over 300,000 people received help. Through ongoing acts of mercy, support for families, emergency help, food and essential supplies, and practical care in difficult seasons, we have had countless opportunities to speak about God with people who are hurting.

We have seen that suffering often opens doors for the gospel: people ask deeper questions, reconsider life priorities, and seek spiritual counsel. We give thanks to God for encouraging signs of His grace: conversations that moved from practical needs to repentance and faith, and people coming to worship after receiving help. Around twenty people in our church might never have known Christ apart from the circumstances of the war.

We do not romanticize hardship, but we do confess that God is present and active, and that His mercy is not limited by war.

Dear friends, thank you again for standing with us. We do not take it for granted. Your support has helped us continue worship, continue mercy, continue publishing, and continue training when it would have been very easy to stop.

May the Lord repay you with spiritual fruit, and may He keep you steadfast in hope. We are grateful for you, and we count it a privilege to labor together for Christ and His church.

With gratitude in Christ, Mark Agarkov Kharkiv, Ukraine

How You Can Continue to Help

The needs in Ukraine remain significant, and faithful local churches continue to serve on the front lines both physically and spiritually.

If you would like to support this ongoing work, your gift to the Ukraine Relief Fund will go directly toward:

• Food and emergency supplies • Support for displaced families • Local church mercy ministry • Gospel outreach and pastoral care

Please also continue to pray for the churches, pastors, and believers who are serving Christ in the midst of war.

Thank you for standing with the church in Ukraine.